Chair design for beginners
Why buy it when you can build it? In this 4-weeks workshop, we’ll meet once a week for 2 hours, and take inspiration from the elegant Kragelund “Loke” chair and recreate it with accessible materials and the tools available at Doorspace.
In this design-meets-making workshop, we explore how a contemporary chair is designed and built by taking apart and recreating the Loke chair by Kragelund using the tools and materials available at Doorspace.
Rather than copying it blindly, we study how it works: its proportions, structure, joints, and upholstery. From there, we remake it with our own hands, adapting the design to recycled plastics, wood, and cultivated or alternative leather, while keeping the character, comfort, and elegance of the original.
The workshop runs over four consecutive weeks, 2 hours each session, starting at 16:30.
Session 1. Understanding the design
We begin by analysing the original chair:
Study proportions, ergonomics, and structure
Understand how the joints and backrest work
Break the chair down into buildable components
Introduce laser-cut patterns that will guide the hand-sawing and shaping
Session 2. Making the structure
We move into fabrication:
Saw, plane and shape the parts by hand
Study and prepare the joints
Test-fit the frame and refine tolerances
Learn how small changes affect stability and comfort
Session 3. Assembly and upholstery
We bring the chair together:
Glue and clamp the wooden or plastic structure
Prepare the seat and backrest
Learn the basics of upholstery and working with fabric, leather or cultivated leather
Session 4. Finishing and final assembly
We complete the piece:
Sanding and surface finishing
Installing the seat and backrest material
Final adjustments, alignment and quality control
Review of what worked, what didn’t, and how the design could evolve
Throughout the workshop you will:
Learn how to read and interpret a furniture design
Translate complex shapes into buildable parts
Practice joinery, hand-tool work, and upholstery
Understand how materials influence structure and form
Experience how designers prototype, test, and refine
No prior experience is required, just curiosity and patience. Whether you’re a design student, a maker, or someone who loves well-made furniture but not luxury price tags, this workshop is a hands-on way to understand how good design is built.